By Kede Aihie
Belgium knocked the United States out of the World Cup 2026 Round of 16 with a 4-1 win to advance to the quarter-finals. It was a comfortable victory for the European side on U.S. soil. Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the 9th minute after tapping in a cross from Nicolas Raskin. The U.S. leveled in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman’s free-kick took a deflection off Hans Vanaken, but Belgium restored their lead just two minutes later as De Ketelaere headed in Leandro Trossard’s cross. In the second half, Belgium made it 3-1 after De Ketelaere pressed hesitant U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese and Vanaken finished from outside the penalty area. Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to seal the 4-1 result in the 93rd minute with a low shot from a tight angle. Belgium will now face Spain in Los Angeles on Friday at 20:00 BST after Spain defeated Portugal 1-0.
The match was played amid controversy over Folarin Balogun’s availability. According to media sources, after Balogun received a red card against Bosnia on Wednesday, a 4-day campaign began to overturn the ban. Andrew Giuliani alerted Trump, and Giuliani, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Soccer officials began planning an appeal. On Thursday, Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino while U.S. Soccer filed a formal appeal and offered White House legal assistance. Giuliani and donor Scott Goodwin also reviewed referee Raphael Claus’ history. By Sunday, FIFA’s 18-person disciplinary committee suspended Balogun’s one-match ban, clearing him to start and play 90 minutes. FIFA maintained the decision was independent but provided no vote details.
Belgium players said the situation motivated them. Captain Youri Tielemans said the team held a meeting and decided to “do our talking on the pitch.” Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois cited a “lack of respect” in the U.S. in the days before the game. Winger Dodi Lukébakio and midfielder Nicolas Raskin both questioned why Balogun was allowed to play but said they stayed focused. Despite the buildup, Balogun had little impact and was substituted in the 90th minute.
